People from Brussels took to the streets of the Belgian and Flemish capital last weekend in search of wild yeasts on fruit trees. There are many different types of yeast in Brussels, both on fruit and in the air. These are yeasts that enable lambic beers to be brewed. Several researchers are on hand to catalogue the yeasts.
Hunt for wild yeasts on fruit trees in Brussels: “Yeasts allow us to brew Brussels beer”
Colin Clapson
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Researchers from Erasmus University College Brussels, the non-profit organisation Bûûmplanters and artist Matthijs De Block are all working together on a project called Y.E.A.S.T. (Yielding Ecology, Art, Science & Togetherness).
“We take samples from plants and trees by rubbing them with a swab. These samples are then analysed in a laboratory. In this way, we aim to identify and map out the yeasts,” explains Tom Peeters, researcher at Erasmus University College. “These yeasts can also tell us more about biodiversity in the city.”
Old Brussels fruit varieties
Brussels is renowned for its tradition of beer brewing, and that requires yeast. “Our non-profit organisation Bûûmplanters is trying to bring back old Brussels fruit varieties,” explains Yoeri Bellemans. “We’re going to investigate whether other yeasts are also present on these old varieties. These old fruit varieties can then also be used for new beers – I’m thinking, for example, of a local variety of plum.”
Incorporating yeasts into a work of art
Artist Matthijs De Block is creating a work of art based on the project. “I’m trying to make the invisible world of yeasts and micro-organisms visible. The yeasts will be incorporated into a work of art that will be exhibited during Flanders Technology & Innovation at WIELS, the centre for contemporary art in Brussels,” explains De Block.